Extensive Definition
Chambertin [shahm-behr-TAN] is a Grand Cru
vineyard located in the
village of Gevrey-Chambertin
in the Côte de
Nuits district of France's Burgundy
region.
This 32-acre pinot noir
vineyard adjoins a 38-acre parcel called Clos de
Bèze, which is also a grand cru vineyard and whose wine may use
Chambertin
AC or
Chambertin-Clos de Bèze AC on their labels. Chambertin may not
be called Chambertin-Clos de Bèze, however. The Clos de Bèze
vineyard was initially cleared and planted back in the 7th century
by monks from the Abbey of
Bèze, which owned the land. Legend has it that it was not until
the 12th century that Chambertin was planted by a Monsieur Bertin,
who felt that he could also make good wines if he grew the same
grape varieties as his famous next door neighbor. His vineyard was
called Champ de Bertin ("Bertin's field") and later shortened to
Chambertin.
The Chambertin wines were one of Napoleon's
favorites and it is said that he insisted that they be available to
him even during his various military campaigns. As with most of
Burgundy's vineyards, both Chambertin and Clos de Bèze have had
numerous owners, twenty-three and eighteen respectively.
Unfortunately, quality varies from producer to producer and,
although Chambertin has been called "King of Wines," less
accomplished vintners do not make wines that live up to that
reputation. The quality of wines from Clos de Bèze is considered
higher and more consistent than those from Chambertin. The best
wines from these two vineyards are quite powerful.
They have concentrated fruit flavors, intense, rich, perfumed
aromas, and long aging capabilities.
See also
Chambertin in German: Chambertin
Chambertin in French: Chambertin
Chambertin in Dutch:
Chambertin